Assistant Professor in Global Change Ecology

Virginia Tech is seeking an Assistant Professor in Global Change Ecology for a full-time, tenure-track position in Blacksburg, VA. The role focuses on invasion science, requiring a Ph.D. and a record of scholarship in invasion ecology or related fields. Responsibilities include leading research, teaching, and mentoring students, while contributing to the Invasive Species Collaborative. The position emphasizes inclusivity and collaboration in addressing global challenges related to invasive species.
Job Description

The Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
in the College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia
Tech invites applicants for the position of assistant professor in
global change ecology as part of a campus-wide hiring initiative
focusing on the grand challenge of invasive species. We seek a
candidate with interest and experience in invasion science through
the lens of invasion ecology, ecosystem disturbance, and/or novelty
in terrestrial ecosystems. This is a full-time, tenure-track,
9-month appointment with primary responsibilities in research and
teaching. The Department of Forest Resources and Environmental
Conservation is committed to building an inclusive community
through programs and activities that are integrated into our
research, education, and outreach efforts. We welcome applications
from persons identifying with groups underrepresented within the
discipline, including but not limited to, Black, Indigenous, people
of color, first-generation, and underrepresented genders.

The successful candidate will lead a vibrant, externally funded
research program that is recognized for scientific excellence,
mentor a diverse population of graduate and undergraduate students,
and provide high-quality instruction. Course contributions will be
defined during the hiring process and may include courses in the
department’s five undergraduate majors and a graduate course in the
candidate’s area of expertise. Strong communication and
interpersonal skills are necessary; international engagement and
recognition are encouraged and expected as the candidate’s career
advances. The incumbent will be expected to serve on departmental,
college, and university committees.

The successful candidate will be a core member of Virginia Tech’s
Invasive Species Collaborative (https://invasivespeciesvt.org/), a
university-wide initiative fostering growth in transdisciplinary
research to develop solutions to complex global problems of
invasive species that directly or indirectly impact the lives or
livelihoods of people. The individual will be part of a cluster
hire, including faculty in environmental law and public policy,
technology development, applied economics, data science, genomics,
and outreach.

The successful candidate is expected to leverage the expertise of
the Invasive Species Collaborative community at Virginia Tech and
engage in team science with associated faculty. The individual will
contribute to the development of a center of excellence focusing on
invasive species science, technology, management, outreach, and
policy.

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. or equivalent at the time of appointment in a discipline
closely related to global change ecology.

• A record of scholarship and peer-reviewed publications in
invasion science through the lens of invasion ecology, ecosystem
disturbance, and/or novelty in terrestrial ecosystems.

Preferred Qualifications

• A record of scholarship and peer-reviewed publications in
terrestrial systems in the area of forest ecology, quantitative
ecology, geospatial science, or a closely related discipline.

• Demonstrated potential to acquire research funding adequate to
support graduate students and an active, inclusive research
program.

• Demonstrated potential for effective and inclusive teaching and
mentoring.

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and
inclusive university community.

• Demonstrated experience or potential for team science
collaborations, including with academics in other disciplines,
state or federal agencies, NGOs, and/or private industry.
• Required Application Materials

1.) Resume/CV; 2.) Cover letter expressing statement
of interest in the position (not to exceed 1 page); 3.) List
of 3 professional references including titles and complete contact
information; 4.) Statement of teaching and mentoring
experiences & philosophy relevant to the position (not to
exceed 1 page); 5.) Statement of research plans and vision
for programmatic excellence (not to exceed 1 page); 6.)
Statement describing how you would create inclusive excellence in
teaching, research, and within the broader university community
(not to exceed 1 page).

Contact Information

Inquiries can be directed to the search committee chair, Valerie
Thomas (thomasv@vt.edu, 540-231-0958)

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$90,000

Review Date

October 11, 2024

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal
conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve),
Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a
hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be
leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution
that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the
world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated
to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more
than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000
undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight
undergraduate
colleges , a school of
medicine , a veterinary
medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university
has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus
in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in
Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and
research
centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech
conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional
development opportunities and university shared
governance . These valuable contributions to university shared
governance provide important representation and perspective, along
with opportunities for unique and impactful professional
development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or
applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including
pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic
information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation,
race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or
otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire
about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation
of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected
by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an
accommodation, please contact Valerie Thomas at thomasv@vt.edu
during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to
the event.

Advertised: August 23, 2024

Applications close: